Sayonara Umihara Kawase+ coming to PS Vita next week

I will be ignored no longer! Sayonara Umihara Kawase+ is coming to the PS Vita next week on April 21, and you will try it out or so help me!

The cult-classic platforming franchise will finally get the long overdue definitive release that American fans have been asking for. This release will feature the highest possible resolution and framerate for Sayonara Umihara Kawase, released as Yumi's Odd Odyssey on the Nintendo 3DS. It's a charming little platformer, but I will admit that the $19.99 price tag might be a little steep for it.

However, it is not too steep when you account that the Super Famicom cult-classic original, Umihara Kawase, is going to be included, making its Western debut in this package. Again, this is one of the best Super Nintendo platformers you will ever play shy of Super Mario World, and every gaming enthusiast should have a go at it. This definitive edition is about as good as it will ever get.

Play it on your Vita, play it on your PS TV. Play it anywhere or on any HDMI screen of your choice. Publisher Agatsuma Entertainment has rebranded the American release with the Japanese title and spells out the features in its presser.

• The latest version of this classic 20-year old franchise
• Now 60fps!
• 60 new and re-envisaged classic stages
• Includes the original 'UmiharaKawase' game – this was the first game in the franchise, released in 1994 for console
• Created by programmer Kiyoshi Sakai (also programmer on 'The Mosquito') and character designer & illustrator, Toshinobu Kondo – creators of the original game.
• Unique 1970's Japanese visual style
• Additional bonus levels available once the game has been completed
• Global time ranking
• New enemy placements
• Unlock bonus features including some brilliant KAWAII style art and nostalgic audio with bonus sound track from the original game
• Total of 4 playable characters, each with their own special abilities

Again, I can swear by the Super Famicom original. Umihara Kawase is a wonderful game and should be in everybody's collection. The newer game, Sayonara Umihara Kawase+, is decent as well, so as an overall package, you can't go wrong really.